Regarded as one of the most dynamic cosmopolitan cities in the world, Hong Kong’s charm and allure beckons travellers from all around the world. Beyond the towering sky scrapers and bustling crowds lies stunning natural beauty, incredible cuisine and a rich local culture waiting to be explored.

If you have an upcoming weekend trip planned for Hong Kong, read on to get the lowdown on how to maximise your 48 hours in town, including the best places to stay, eat and play. How to spend a weekend in Hong Kong.

How to Maximize a Weekend Stopover in Hong Kong

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How to spend 48 hours in Hong Kong

How to spend 48 hours in Hong Kong

Where to Stay

The Langham

Want to splurge for the weekend? Look no further than The Langham. Situated in Hong Kong’s prime shopping district of Tsim Tsa Tsui, step out of the hotel to streets of delectable dining, shopping and entertainment.

For the ultimate indulgence, book into one of the grand city view rooms and enjoy sweeping views of the legendary Victoria Harbour (also a two-minute walk from the hotel). To get to the hotel, it’s very easy to organize an airport transfer in Hong Kong.

Cosmo Hotel

Nestled in the heart of Causeway Bay and Wan Chai, Cosmo Hotel is the perfect base to set up camp for your weekend escape in Hong Kong.

Only an 8-minute walk away from Causeway Bay subway station and mega shopping malls like Times Square and SOGO, this modern establishment is one of the most convenient hotels in the area, with rooms that guarantee style and comfort. Where to stay in Hong Kong. Best hotels for a weekend in Hong Kong.

Cosmo Hotel Mongkok during the day.

Suite at the Cosmo Hotel Mongkok.

Where to Eat

Tai Cheong Bakery

No visit to Hong Kong is complete until you’ve tried the city’s famous egg tarts – and Tai Cheong Bakery is the go-to for the best of the pack. Expect piping hot egg tarts filled with smooth and creamy fillings, encased with a crumbly buttery crust. How to spend two days in Hong Kong. Hong Kong itinerary.

Tim Ho Wan

This Hong Kong landmark appears at first glance to be an ordinary eatery. In reality it’s the world’s cheapest Michelin Star restaurant, offering some of the best dim sum in Hong Kong. Review of food at Tim Ho Wan.

You might feel like you’re queuing at a theme park at first but once you taste the incredible fare on offer you’ll realise it was worth the wait. The must-orders at Tim Ho Wan include the famous Baked Bun with BBQ Pork, the Steamed Egg Cake and the Pan Fried Turnip Cake. Where to eat in Hong Kong.

You might feel like you’re queuing at a theme park at first but once you taste the incredible fare on offer you’ll realise it was worth the wait.

Rice Noodle Rolls with Shrimp.

You might feel like you’re queuing at a theme park at first but once you taste the incredible fare on offer you’ll realise it was worth the wait.

Where to Play

Experience the Symphony of Lights Show from a Star Ferry

Take the classic Star Ferry at night (from Central to Kowloon) right before 8pm to witness the world’s largest permanent light and sound show – The Symphony of Lights. Expect a sky filled with lasers and music all choreographed to an intricate lightshow played out on a wall of imposing skyscrapers.

Marvel at Hong Kong’s Skyline from Victoria Peak

Considered one of Hong Kong’s most iconic landmarks, Victoria Peak is a must-visit. Take the Peak Tram up to the Peak Tower and enjoy picture-perfect, panoramic views of the city’s dazzling skyline. Arrive half an hour before sundown to watch the city lights come alive in all its sparkling glory.

Arrive half an hour before sundown to watch the city lights come alive in all its sparkling glory.

The Hong Kong Island skyline.

Party at Lan Kwai Fong

Lan Kwai Fong is Hong Kong’s most vibrant nightlife district, home to over 100 trendy bars, clubs and restaurants. From exotic cocktails and fine dining to a cheap beer and bite to eat, this is your destination for after-hours fun.

Sit and people watch from one of the many street bars or kick back and enjoy a spot of live music. How to spend 48 hours in Hong Kong.

Shop Til You Drop

If you haven’t heard already, Hong Kong is a shopper’s paradise. From bustling local street markets offering bargains at every corner, to some of the most upscale multi-story shopping malls, this modern city caters to all types of shoppers and all kinds of budgets.

Head to Causeway Bay for local boutique favourites, Tsim Sha Tsui for luxury buys and Ladies Market or Temple Street Market for street bargains.

While You’re in Transit

If your time in Hong Kong is a little short don’t worry, Hong Kong International airport is an attraction on its own. World class shopping, fine dining and a range of entertainment options make for one of the world’s most impressive airports.

Here are a few ways to maximise your time at the airport:

Imax Theatre

That’s right, Hong Kong’s largest IMAX theatre is inside terminal 2. Pass the time until your connecting flight by catching a blockbuster on the big screen.

Aviation Discovery Centre

Catch up on the history of flight in Hong Kong with themed and interactive exhibits to enjoy. 2 days in Hong Kong itinerary.

Shopping & Dining

With 24-hour shopping and dining available at the airport, you just may need the extra time to do a last-minute haul.

With so much to do and see in this buzzing cosmopolis, the only logical next step is to book your tickets ASAP. Kick start your Hong Kong adventure in style and comfort with the nation’s flag carrier Cathay Pacific, who offers flights to Hong Kong from all over the world.

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How to spend 48 hours in Hong Kong

How to spend 48 hours in Hong Kong

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Megan is an Australian Journalist who has been travelling and blogging since 2007, with the main aim of inspiring others to embark on their own worldwide adventure. Her husband Mike is an American travel photographer, and together they have made the world their home.

Committed to bringing you the best in adventure travel from all around the globe, there is no mountain too high, and no fete too extreme! They haven’t been everywhere, but it’s on their list.

Hing Kong always looks amazing especially the photo’s taken at night. Victoria peak sounds like to place to go to take a good night shot. does the Langham have family rooms?. I find this to be an issue with a lot of hotels these days. My kids want to go to Disneyland in Hong Kong.

And yes, the Langham absolutely caters to families. You can book interconnecting rooms, or even a larger suite, and they have a number of amenties for kids too – complimentary cartoon DVD rental upon request etc.

Great idea for a post, it really covers all the bases. I think I’d like to stay in the cosmo hotel, hit up the bakery, and watch an IMAX movie. Maybe because we haven’t had those in a long time. How far is the flight from Australia?

Great tips!!!
I’m planning a trip to Taiwan with a long stopover in Hong Kong, one or two days to explore the city. Was afraid it wouldn’t be time enough to see the top attractions and specially the dinning scene. But now I’m more confident of my choice.
Cheers!

You can definitely make the most of a couple of days in Hong Kong and see the major sites while you’re there. And then if you fall in love with the city and decide there’s a lot more to explore, can always plan a return trip or a longer stopover the next time :)

I’m not a big city person usually but I do love Hong Kong. I used to stay at the Cosmo too because it was close to the office in Wan Chai or else one of the hotels in Causeway Bay itself are a nice position. With the MTR nothing is far away. The symphony of lights is also good from the lounge bar at the Intercontinental – a good show for the price of a cocktail to start the evening.

Hong Kong is one of the cities at the top of my list to explore – I love the sound of the light show and have always wanted to capture that iconic skyline-at-night shot! Saving this post for when I (finally) get there!

A photographers playground for sure – especially once the sun goes down! Hope you have the chance to travel soon Vicki :)

Jacelyn
October 8, 2016

With havin so much content do you ever run into any problems
of plagorism or copyright infringement? My website has a lot of completely unique content
I’ve either authored myself or outsourced but it looks like a
lot of it is popping it up all over the web without
my authorization. Do you know any techniques to help stop content from being stolen? I’d definitely appreciate it.

Hi Jacelyn, thanks for reaching out. We accept that when we put content publicly on the web there’s the possibility that bits and pieces will get plagiarized and stolen.

If you find that websites are copying your content and using your photos illegally however you can send them a cease and desist letter to have them take it down. You can also disable the ability to copy text and right click on photos which will help a lot.

Hong Kong is definitely one of my favorite cities of China (they say they are not “Chinese”, but geographically they are still in China, sorry :). And yes, this city has a lot to offer. However not many people know that Hong Kong has also some hidden gems- not only skyscrapers, malls, markets and endless advertisements, but also pure virgin nature, jungles with monkeys, small remote islands and perfect beaches… and for me, as an adventure and nature lover, these places are my Hong Kong’s favorites.

So glad you enjoyed your time in Hong Kong Krasen, and I do agree – a surprising amount of opportunity for nature lovers! I hope to get back soon for more time to explore :)

Cadiza
August 17, 2018

Hong Kong is a fantastic city to explore, from the busy streets of Kowloon, to the more tranquil island of LanTau. There are many ways to travel, from the famous Star Ferry to trams. Thanks Mappingmegan for sharing!